Author(s): Emily J Carter, Nathan R Hughes and Olivia M Bennett

Abstract: This study investigates the seismic performance of high-strength concrete (HSC) in reinforced concrete frame structures, focusing on its lateral strength, ductility, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation under simulated earthquake loading. Six one-third-scale, two-story, two-bay frames were tested using displacement-controlled quasi-static cyclic loading to compare HSC with normal-strength concrete (NSC) frames. The results demonstrated that HSC frames achieved significantly higher peak lateral strength, increased initial stiffness, and superior energy dissipation capacity, while maintaining ductility comparable to NSC frames through proper confinement detailing. Strength degradation at 3% drift was lower in HSC specimens, and residual drift was reduced, indicating better re-centering behavior and post-earthquake functionality. These improvements are attributed to the material properties of HSC and the effectiveness of seismic detailing in controlling brittle failures. The findings support the strategic integration of HSC in critical structural elements, emphasizing the importance of confinement reinforcement to achieve ductile and resilient behavior. The study also provides practical recommendations for seismic design, including optimized detailing, performance-based criteria, and consideration of residual drift as a key parameter. Overall, the results confirm that well-detailed HSC frames can provide enhanced seismic resilience and structural performance, making HSC a viable and sustainable material for earthquake-resistant construction.

Pages: 23-27 | Views: 17 | Downloads: 7

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